Fire fighting system



April 6, 1965 R. T. HEADRlcK ETAL 3,176,773

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM Filed April 16, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 6, 1965 R. T. HEARICK ETAL 3,176,773

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM Filed April 1e, 1962 4 sheets-sheet 2 @i fg@ fjx April 6, 1965 R. T. HEADRICK ETAL 3,176,773

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM med April 1e, 1962 4 sheets-sheet s I j" ,y iz g Jl l E I7 I vApril 6, 1955 R. T. HEADRlcK ETAL 3,176,773

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM Filed April 16, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 /MV k \&

' /f /yff 4 I|| 5i g 7 INVENTOR United States Patent O 3,176,773 FEGH'HNG SYSTEM l Richard T. Hendrick, @lo Crestheld Ave., Duarte, Salif.,

y and Edward E. Hendrick, 496) Crown Ave., La Canada,

This invention relates to lire fighting systems. More particularly, it relates to gravity distribution tire lighting systems for remote or inaccessible areas having remotely and/ or automatically controlled valve means.

in many areas of the United States, such as in Southern California, as well as in other countries of the world, natural climatic conditions as well as the rugged terrain present difficult brush or forest tire hazards. In these areas access to a brush or forest tire is difficult in view of the terrain. it is desirable that a fire be controlled and contained soon after it starts since such re hazards exist close to densely populated areas. The Greater Los Angeles area is an example of such conditions where tire hazards exist adjacent natural water supplies and within the network of city water supplies. The natural water supplies are available during seasons when there is no tire hazard; the city water mains water sup-ply are inadequate to provide suflicient pressure and quantity of water to effectively combat a brush or forest tire. Often lire storms render tirebreaks of little practical use except for the movement of men and equipment. All these factors usually result in the lire fighters Vhaving to fall back to zones offering the best natural advantage with adequate Water supply to attempt to establish a successful fire line. More often than not, especially in areas such as the Greater Los Angeles area, a successful iire line can be established only at the sacriiiceofv large areas of forest or brush land and ofihomes and other buildings.

This invention provides simple, effective and economic system for tire fighting and, more importantly, for fire prevention. The system of this invention is installable in components which are easily transportable by man, by air or by tractor over rugged and nearly inaccessible terrain. This `system is versatile and relies upon water provided during non-hazardous seasons or from city water supplies during periods when the system is not required for re fighting. Water supply during operation of `the system is by gravity feed; such operation eliminates the disastrous result of power failure during a tire. Also, the gravity water feed assures an adequate operating head.

The `'apparatus of the system is powered primarily by thel iiuid in the system with control of pilot valves by remotely controlled solar-powered electrical devices. tem is particularly useful in conjunction with existing fire fighting systems since it is installable along existing iirebreak lines.

in terms of method, the invention contemplates supplying Water to terrain in a tire control area and includes the steps of providing a water reservoir at an elevated location proximate to a fire control area and providing a plurality of water dispersal means from the reservoir into the lire control area below the reservoir in a predetemined array. The invention also includes providing for each dispersal means remotely controlled valve means operable in response to receipt of a predetermined signal for control of water flow through each dispersal means. Signal generating means are provided and are connected to each valve means; such signal generating means are operable in response to a predetermined physical condition indicative of a tire adjacent the signal generating means to generate a predetermined signal. The invention further includes disposing each signal generating means at a preselected location in the fire control area and generating physical conditions, corresponding to se- The sys- Patented Apr. 6, i965 lected ones of the predetermined conditions, to which corresponding selected ones of the signal generating means are responsive. As a result of these steps, preselected ones of the plurality of valve means are oper ated to disperse Water to preselected locations of the fire control area by gravity induced iiow of water from the reservoir through the water dispersal means.

Generally speaking, the apparatus of this invention provides a tire preventing and fire fighting system for natural surroundings. The apparatus comprises a water storage means reservoir located at an elevated position in a fire control area. At least one ground mounted water Vconduit means is connected to the reservoir and extends downwardly away from the elevated position intol the control area to an end. At least one water dispersion means is connected to the Water conduit means at a location removed from the reservoir. The water dispersion means lie downwardly of the connection to the water conduit means so that water flow through the Water dispersion means is by gravity tiow from the reservoir. The apparatus further includes valve means in association with the water conduit means for .regulating water flow to the water dispersion means. Also, control means are provided for the valve means. The control means include a physical condition sensing unit which is operably connected to the control means. The sensing unit is operative in response to the sensing of a predeterml red physical condition to operate the valve means from one of two conditions to the other condition. The predetermined physical condition may be a temperature condition or an electromagnetic condition (radio waves) or both, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve means are remotely controlled by thermostatic sensing devices distributed within the re control area outside the range of the water dispersion or distribution means. T he control means for the valve means are powered by solar batteries. Additionally, when radio waves Vcorrespond to the predetermined condition, solar powered radio receivers adapted to receive coded signals keyed to each of the valve means are included in the control means. The batteries and radio receivers preferably are powered by radiant energy derived from the sun and therefore the term solar is used to describe these devices.

The foregoing features and objects of this invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and explanation of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE l is an elevational View of a tire fighting system installed upon a mountain side; Y t

FGURE 2 is a schematic representation of the system;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of a collapsible and portable duct means of the re fighting system;

FGURE 4 is an enlarged schematic representation of the typical control station illustrated in FIGURE 2;

' FIGURE 5 is an alternate embodiment of a thermostatic control for the remotely controlled diaphragm valve illustrated in FGURE 4; FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional elevation of a water reservoir according to this invention;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional fragmentary elevation of a connector adapter for the ducts of this invention; and

FlGURl-E 8 is a cross-sectional elevation of a quickrelease connector for the duct means of the system.

Referring to FlGURES l and 2, a fire fighting system it) according to this invention is illustrated. A reservoir ll is provided at an elevated position l2 in a re control area. As illustrated in FIG. l, the reservoir preferably is located at the crown of a hill or mountain ridge along an existing tirebreak line. The remainder of the system is disposed downhill of the reservoir il. The system is particularly effective when the reservoir is located at the intersection of several iirebreaks. be further described below.

A header manifold 13 is connected to the reservoir by an outlet duct or conduit 14. A plurality of water transportducts 15A, 15B, .15C and 15D are connected to the manifold 13 and extend downwardly from the reservoir 11 along the iirebreak below the elevated position 12. Each of the ducts 15A-15D is regulated by a remotely controlled valve represented generically by character 16 and specifically by valves 16A, 15B, 16C and 16D. Each of the valves 16A-16D is a radio-controlled valve having a receiver which is adapted to respond to a preselected signal associated with the particular valve. Additionally, valves 16A-16D are manually and thermostatically controlled as will be described below in conjunction with the valves 26 of the control stations 20. An auxiliary water duct 17 extends from the header 13 and is regulated by a radio-control valve 18. The duct 17 is provided for use in conjunction with conventional fire lighting equip- These advantages will Vment whereby a conventional tire hose may be attached to the duct 17 for use downhill of the reservoir in areas of the lire control sector or region which are not serviced by prelocated elements of the system 10. The radiocontrolled valve 18 allows fire iighters to regulate flow of the water from reservoir 11 through duct 17 from the nozzle end of the hose attached to duct 17. This feature of the invention is particularly significant when it is realized that a hose attached to duct 17 may be several hundred feet long and the terrain between the remote 'end of the hose and the reservoir may be such as to prevent direct access to the reservoir.

A plurality of pressure reducing7 and ow distribution control stations 2t) are disposed at spaced apart locations along each of the transport ducts 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D. The linear distance along the ducts 15 between the reservoir 11 and the control station 20 and between adjacent control stations is not predetermined; rather the vertical elevation between the reservoir and the iirst control station and between adjacent stations is determined by the water pressure head which is presented at the upstream side of each of the control stations Ztl. The limit of this pressure head is determined as a function of the burst strength of the transport ducting 15. In a preferred form of the invention, the pressure head at the upstream side of each of the control stations Ztl is limited to approximately one-half the burst load of the duct 15. In an exemplary installation, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, the vertical distance between the reservoir 11 and the first station downhill of the reservoir is 300 feet. Similarly, a 300 foot vertical drop is permitted between subsequent control stations. Ideally, each of the pressure reducing and flow distributing control stations 241 is a lightweight compact air-transportable assembly which is enclosed within a welded aluminum pipe framework (not shown). The framework is provided with a roll-over bar, a cable sling and an attachment ring such that the control station may be transported by helicopter. Alternatively, the control station may be provided with sled runners for movement into position through towing by a Caterpillar-type tractor.

FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic representation of a control station 20. Since all of the control stations 2Q are identical only a control station associated with transport duct 15A will be described in detail. A pressure reducing valve 21 is provided in the transport duct 15A and has a pressure sensing connection 22 connected to the transport duct 15A downstream of the valve 21. The valve 21 is of the diaphragm type such as is manufactured by the Cla-Val Company, Newport Beach, California. -Valve 21 is set to close when the downstream pressure sensed reaches a predetermined value, for example on the order of twenty pounds per square inch gage. A pair of branch connections 23 and 24 extend laterally of the transport duct 15A upstream of the pressure reducing valve 21. Branch duct 23 is controlled by a manual valve upstream pressure at the valve Seat.

4l 25 and is provided in the control station 20 to facilitate conventional iire iighting techniques. Conventional fire hoses may be coupled to duct 23 for cleaning up small pockets of tire remaining in the control area after operation of the system 1t) according to the manner to be described below.

Branch duct 24 extends to a remotely controlled valve 26 which regulates water flow to a secondary duct or water dispersion conduit 27A. As illustrated, the valve 26 is a diaphragm operated globe valve of a type available from the Cla-Val Company, but the invention also encompasses any type valve, such as a stopcock valve or gate valve, which may be remotely operated. As illustrated in FIG. 4, valve 26 has a valve plug mounted to a spring-loaded diaphragm. The diaphragm is connected to the upstream and downstream sides of the valve through a rotary control pilot valve means 2S such as a stopcock or disc'valve. When the chamber between the diaphragm and the housing of valve 26 is connected to the upstream side of valve 26, the valve plug is maintained in a closed relation to the valve seat. Indexing of the pilot valve means 28 counterclockwise through an arc of connects the diaphragm chamber with the downstream side of valve 26. The static head manifested on the seat plug through the branch duct 24 opens the valve by moving the diaphragm against the spring load. The static head in duct 24 also serves to maintain the valve in a closed condition when the valve means 28 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 4 since the area of the diaphragm exposed to the upstream static head pressure is greater than the area of the Valve plug presented to the The valve pilot 28 illustrated is operated by a rotary armature 29 cooperating with a solenoid winding 3i?, but a reciprocating solenoid armature operating a reciprocable pilot valve is also within the scope of the invention. A solar powered battery 31 is connected to winding 3@ and flow of electrical current through the solenoid coilV 311 is regulated by a switch 32 which is controlled in any one of three ways to be described. The battery is charged by electricity derived from a quantity of photo-electric cells coupled to the battery and disposed to receive solar radiation, and therefore the battery is referred to as a solar powered battery. Y

As illustrated, a movable contact of switch 32 is connected to a reciprocable rod 33 having a trident coniiguration at its end remote from contact 32. The central member of the trident configuration 34 is adapted to be operated by depression of a manual switch 35. A second element 36 of the rod 33 is engageable with a thermostatic bimetallic strip 37 which engages element 35 when the temperature in the environment of valve 26 Vrises above a predetermined temperature. The initial position and the temperature coeliicient of the bimetallic strip 37 are such that closure of switch 32 does not occur until the temperature in the vicinity of valve 26 rises to a temperature indicating that a lire is burning in the vicinity of valve 26. The third control element 3S of rod 33 carries a solenoid armature 3@ reciprocable within a coil 4@ connected to a radio receiver 41. Receiver 41 is powered by connection in parallel with solar battery 31. Upon receipt of a predetermined signal at transmitter 41, coil 49 is energized such that armature 39 is reciprocated to the left (FIG. 4) to close contacts 3i) whereby a pilot valve means 28 of the valve 26 is operated to open valve 26 and permit the gravity flow of water through valve 26 into the water dispersion conduit 27A.

It was mentioned above that the control means 28 for valve 26 is operated in response to receipt of a signal which is associated with a predetermined physical condition. Where the thermostat 37 is used, the physical condition sensed is temperature. Where a radio receiver 41 is provided, the physical condition sensed is the presence of radio waves. Each of the sensed conditions is indicative of the presence of a tire in the rire control area` Temperature is directly indicative of a tire adjacent the thermostat 37, while radio waves are indirectly indicative of a lire since manual observation of the lire is required.

Referring once again to FlG. 2, each of the water dispersion conduits Z7 extends to a plurality of water dispersion means 43 or lid. As illustrated in conjunction with dispersion conduit 27B', the dispersion means d3 is a soalrer-.ype hose which is a collapsible plastic duct which has a plurality of apertures formed therein such that when pressure is applied to the duct, water is sprayed from the apertures of the duct into the adjacent region of `the lire control area.- Water dispersion means dd, on the other hand, is an unaperutred duct which includes a plurality of T fittings d to which are connected conventional Rainbird sprinklers do. rlhe Rainbird-type sprinkler is a rotary head sprinkler which is powered by the water discharged from the sprinkler. This type of sprinkler is conventionally used in agricultural applications and is capable of watering an area up to one hundred feet in diameter. the lire area, it may be desirable to use only soalrer-type dispersion means ,d3 or it `may be desirable to use only the Rainbird `sprinklers de. In moet situations, however, a combination ofthe soakers d3 and rotary sprinklers 46 will be advantageous. i

In the control station 2t? illustrated in FIG. 4 the thermostatic control 37 for the valve Z6 is located Within the control station. ln many instances, however, it is desirable that the thermostatic sensing element be removed from the control station sto be disposed at a location in the re control area remote from the control station. rihe thermostatic control at suoh remote points should be beyond the water distribution pattern of the soaliers d3 or the Rainbird sprinklers 46, otherwise the temperature in the vicinity ot the thermostat would be reduced by the Water distributed and the thermostat would prematurely signal pilot valve 2S to close. Accordingly, a remotely locatable thermostatic element or control unit (see FIG. 5), having a thermostatically controlled electrical switch i9 therein, is connected to a Winding Sil associated with a solenoid armature S1. connected to the element 36 of the trident configured control rod 33 for pilot valve control switch 32. The thermostat solenoid winding Sil is connected to remote switch d@ by a pair of conductors 52. Electrical power for operation of the winding 5t) preferably is provided by a solar powered battery. A battery 53 may be provided separate from battery 3l to supply power for solenoid Sil-fl, but in most instances the power available from battery 3l is -suiiicient to operate both the solenoid d-l and the transmitter dil. Therefore, in most instances, the winding :Sti is powered by battery 3l.

From the apparatus described thus far, it is apparent that the invention provides a system l@ which may be located in a remote section of rugged terrain and lett unattended to autornaitcally control a forest or brush fire at its inception. The thermostatic controls 37 or 4S automatically sense a rise in temperature associated with a brush or forest tire and generate signals which cause the valves 2d to operate to supply water to the water dispersion means 453 or do. In many cases the water supplied to seepers 4.3 or rotary head sprinklers do may not be suiilcient to completely extinguish the tire; however, the water dispersed by these devices is sufcient :to wet down areas surrounding a tire such that the tire is contained and will burn itself out. The provision of the radio receiver di for operating the pilot valve means Zd for the water dispersion control valves 2d provides additional means for remotely controlling operation of the system lil. In practice each of the control stations Ztl may be assigned a particular code number having, say, three digits. rlhe radio receiver dl associated with each control station is keyed to operate the solenoid E39-itl upon receipt of a series of coded signals corresponding :to the number `of the particular control stations. A forest spending upon the nature oi the terrain in Cil ranger may patrol a large expanse of tores-t or brush land from a helicopter. lf a forest lire is observed, the ranger locates the control station closest to `the source of the lire by radio command, the selected control station is rendered operative.

Alternatively, the ranger may locate the control stations which surround the location of the re. These several stations would be placed in a standby.condition by transmission ot the code signals associa ed with each of these selected control stations Ztl. Transmission of these selected may be from the helicopter itself or from a remote location. lf it is assumed that a particular control statiou has code number 521, then transmission of digital information representing thenumber 521 would be transmitted and received by the receiver dll. This would p ace the control station in a standby condition, but tire solenoid 3&4@ would not yet be operated. A fourth signal, such as an on signal, would then be transmitted to operate the solenoid h-dll. lt is preferred that the on signal for the transmitters of all of the control stations Ztl be identical. It is therefore possible to place a number of control stations 2d in a standby condition by transmission of the code numbers for each of these stations, and then to turn on all of the stations simultaneously by transmission of :the common code signal. Transmission` or" a second common signal correspending to oir would index the rotary armatures 29 in a clockwise direction whereby the pilot valves 28 would be returned to the position indicated in FIG. 4. The system then would be turned oli.

The radio control feature of this invention permits periodic maintenance checks upon the system from the air without requiring manual access to particular control stations. p

ln night operation of the system lt? visual signalling means such as blinking light S5 are powered by the solar 'battery 3l. The blinlier S5 operates according to a predetermined pattern `corresponding to the code number of the control station with which it is associated. The blinlrer 55 is turned on upon closure of switch 32 either under response to a signal generated by the thermostatic sensing mechanism 37 or 49 or by the radio receiver 4l..

ln the fire fighting system according to this invention large quantities oi' water are required. ln many instances reservoir capacities of one million gallons may be desirable. A particular object of this invention is to provide a hre lighting system wherein the components of lthe system may be transported manually to the desired location where such is necessary. lt is therefore necessary that the weight of the individual components of the system be lrept light in weight. The reservoir contemplated by this invention is in accord with such an object. At the elevated location l2 of the lire control area a pit dll is constructed. The pit d@ preferably has a substantially horizontal door dll and upwardly extending sides 62 inclined at an` angle Vof approximately 60 .to the horizontal. lnterrnediate the floor ell and a pit rim 635, an odset ledge od is provided. Preferably a barbed wire topped fence e5 is provided along the rim 63 of the pit to surround the pit to prevent damage to the reservoir by animals indigenous to the region. The reservoir lll may be a. fabric lined collapsible rubber tank such as that manufactured by the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, but in a preferred form of the invention the reservoir is provided by a polyvinyl liner 66 which is disposed over the floor 6l oi the pit and along the walls o2 to the ledge 6d. A vinyl cover 67 is provided in conjunction with the pit liner 66. The cover 67 may be fabricated integral with the liner 66 by electronic seam welding or it may be completely separate. ln many instances, particularly in locations where high Winds are encountered, the upper periphery of the liner and the periphery of the cover o7 are secured to the ground by stakes 63 disposed at intervals around the periphery of the reservoir lll. All

the plastic fabric or rubberized material. associated with 7 `the reservoir is pigmented an aluminum color to prevent sunlight penetration of the reservoir material which would lead to deterioration of the synthetic material. The cover 67 prevents water contamination and growth of algae within the reservoir. This is desirable since solid or organic contamination normally is not permissible because of the relatively small orifices in the downstream portions of the system. A filling valve 7@ is provided internally of the reservoir at a central location along the bottom of the pit 6l. The Valve 7@ is controlled by a lanyard 71 which extends from the valve to a ring 72 secured to the cover 67 above valve 70. A supply conduit 73 is provided to valve 'it and is disposed in a Vtrench 74 in the bottom 61 of the pit. The trench extends through the revetted embankment surrounding the pit such that the supply conduit or pipe 73 may be run downhill to a conventional water supply system such as a municipal fire main system. Alternatively, the supply conduit 73 may be extended to a natural supply of water such as a nearbly stream or lake. Through the provision of lthe conduit 73, the reservoir lll may be filled during periods when water is available from a natural supply or over extended periods of time from a municipal water system. Valve 70 is also provided with a pressure sensing control 75 which is coupled from valve 7) to the inlet supply duet 73. This pressure sensing connection 7S is calibrated to open valve 70 when the level of water in the reservoir ll falls below a predetermined height. This allows the reservoir to be filled automatically in locations where a constant source of water pressure is available through `the water supply ducts '73. The valve 7@ is closed when the lanyard '71 is pulled taut as vthe cover 57 of the reservoir rises during the filling process.

There are many instances in which the system il@ of this invention finds particular utility in brush areas adjacent densely populated communities. These cornmunities normally have fire mains extending to within or up to the limits of the tire hazardous area. Permanent supply mains are connected from the reservoir lll to the municipal water supply where possible. In many cases, however, the distance from the municipal water system to the reservoir 1l is such that the hydrant pressure in the city mains is insufficient to supply water to the reservoir. In such cases booster stations are provided between the reservoir f1 and ythe city mains to provide adequate pressure to maintain a supply of water to the reservoir M. These booster stations include electric pumps, preferably of the centrifugal type having high discharge heads, mounted in waterproof, fireproof and flood proof enclosures at or below ground level. The booster pumps are automatically actuated by `the opening or closing of the Ytill valves 7d disposed in each reservoir.

This invention provides a novel plastic ducting or hose 8u illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 3. The hose 8@ is specifically adapted to comprise the soakers 43 illustrated in FIG. 2. When the dispersion apertures 89 are deleted from the hose 30, the same lbasic extrusion is useful in the system lltl to provide the transport ducts A, 15B, 15C, llD as well as the water dispersion supply conduits 27A', 27A", 27B', 27B, 27C 27C, 27D', 27D". The hose titi preferably is a plastic extrusion having a fabric reinforcement 8l. The extrusion has two portions which are integrally connected together. A first portion 32 is a ground engaging base which is substantially planar in configuration and has a width of approximately 24 inches in a preferred form. The base SZ has metal grommets 83 provided adjacent its edges S4 at regular intervals along the length of the extrusion` The grommets 83 are adapted to receive spikes 8S which are passed through the grommets S3 and driven into the ground 86 over which the hose or conduit Stb is laid to secure the conduit 8@ infplace. A duct portion 87 of the extrusion, within which the fabric reinforcing liner Sl extends, is joined centrally lof the base 82 longitudinally of the extrusion. Normally `the duct portion 37 is collapsed and lies flat over the base 32. When the duct portion 37 is filled with water, on the other hand, it assumes a substantially elptical cross-section as illustrated in FIGB. A pair of longitudinal ribs are provided at opposite ends of the major axis of the ellipse to assure that the duct portion 87 lies flat relative to the base when the hose is not subjected to fluid pressure. A plurality of apertures 39 are provided in the upper extent of the duct portion S7 opposite from the base $2. The apertured form of the extrusion comprises the soaker-type water dispersion means 43 schematicaliy represented in FTG. l0. The unapertured or solid wall extrusion serves as the water transport ducts 15 and the water `dispersion :supply conduits 27 (see FIG. l0). As in the case of the reservoir lll illustrated in FIG. 6, the exposed surfaces of the extrusion titl are pigmented to resist deterioration of the synthetic material by the action of surlight. Preferably, the polyvinyl chloride from which the extrusion is formed is pigmented with an aluminum coating.

The extruded hoseillusrtated in FIG. 3 is especially useful in the fire prevention system il@ since it may be coiled upon a reel by virtue of the flat conguration of the collapsed hose. Reels having a capacity of 500 feet of hose are conveniently handled such that the ducting for a substantial system installation according to this invention may be air transported to a fire control area by a helicopter. Also, shorter lengths of hose in a coiled condition are easily transported by an individual entering the fire control area on foot.

At the ends of the extrudw lengths of ducting Sil, specially configured collars @il are provided peripherally of the duct to facilitate coupling adjacent lengths of hose together. FIG. 8 shows a cross-seotional elevation of a coupling unit MND which is specially adapted to connect adjacent lengths of hose Sti together. This coupling is a quick release lightweight aluminum or reinforced plastic coupling having the particular feature that it does not require special tools to install. Therefore, couplings of this nature may be used advantageously in remote locations in installing the system lltl or in modifying an existing system to meet peculiar situations arising in the course of gthing a fire already in progress.

An exterior peripheral stepped flange 9th is molded into the ends of extruded lengths of ducting Si). A circular metal reinforcement such as a wire l is embedded within the Bange 9i?. Adjacent the inner surface 92 of the extrusion duct portion S7 at the end of the hose 3d, an offset inclined surface 93 is provided on flange 9). Surfacle 93 is inclined relative to 'the inner surface 92 of `the duct at an angle of approximately 20 and slopes away from the inner surface 92 toward the extreme end of the duct 87. Surface 93 is intersected by a second surface 94 which extends outwardly of the duct at an angle of approximately 2 to a plane transverse of duct 87. Adjacent the extreme end of the duct 87 the evternal surface of the frange 9@ is a cylindrical surface 95 which is parallel to the axis of duct 37. Surface 95 extends to an inwardly extending surface 96 which lies substantially parallel to surface 94 diametrically opposite surface 94. relative to the embedded reinforcing ring 91. Surface 96 terminates in a second circularly cylindrical surface 97 parallel to surface disposed between surface 95 and an exterior surface 9d of the duet 87. At a point spaced from surface 96, surface 97 is curved into the exterior surface 93 of the duct.

The connector 1th@ is fabricated in substantially three pieces. A connector inner ring 101 has a circularly cylindrical inner surface MP2 and radially extending anges 193 and 104 on the exterior surface of the ring itil. Flanges 103 and )104 are spaced apart axially of ring Till and have opposite surfaces thereof, not adjacent Vsurfaces, configured to engage the surfaces 93 and 94 of the ducting flange 90. The inner surface 102 of ring 10i is substantially coplanar with the inner surface 92 of ducting 87. A pair of semicircular exterior clamping shells 105 and 106 are coupled together in a hingable connection at adjacent ends of the rings such that the semicircular shells 105, 106 are hingable relative to one another to form a circular peripheral enclosure about the ring 101. Each semicircular shell 105 has a concave inner surface `107 of cylindrical contiguration with the axis of the cylinder being parallel to the axis of duct 07. An inwardly extending flange 100 is raised from surface 107 of each of the rings 105 and 106 and lies between the ring flanges 103 and 104 when the connector is in its closed condition. At opposite ends of each of the rings 105 and 106 inwardly extending anges 109 and 110 are provided. The flanges 109 and 110 have surfaces `adjacent to the flange S which are inclined to a plane paral- V lel to flange 100 at an angie of substantially 20 such that when either of the rings 105 and 106 is engaged with the duct flange 90,the inclined surfaces 111 of `flanges 100 and 110 engage surfaces 96 of the duct ange 90.

It was mentioned previously that the rings 105 and l 106 are hinged together such that they are movabie relative to one another to form a circular ring. One of the rings 105, for example, has an inwardly extending lug formed on the flange 108 at its end opposite from the hinge connection to ring 106. This lug (not illustrated) is pinned in a movable connection with the inner ring 101 whereby ring 101 is movable relative to ring 105 as `shell 106 are provided with cooperating means which function to draw the juxtaposed opposite ends of the `shells together upon closure of the connector 100.

In the operation of the connector the ring 101 is placed between the flanges 90 of lengths of extrusion 00 which are to be connected together. In such a condition the nonadjacent surfaces of ring flanges 103 and 100 engage surfaces 93 `and 0d of the duct flanges 90. The shell 105 is then hinged relative to the ring 101 whereby the surfaceV 107 of the ring 105 is brought into engagement with the surface 95 of the duct flanges 90 and the surfaces 111 of the shell flanges 109 and 110 are engaged with duct flange surfaces 96. Similarly, semicircular shell 106 is hinged relative to shell 105 such that the corresponding surfaces ofl shell 106 are engaged with surfaces 95 and 96 of the duct flanges 90. Such engagement of the shells 105 and 106 with the duct anges 00 places the -unhinged ends of the shells 105 vand 106 adjacent to one another whereby the cooperating coupling means associated with these unhinged ends are engageable. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coupling mechanism or the locking mechanism for the shells 105 and 106 is a near-over-center connection which upon operation compresses the surfaces 93-94 and 95-96 of the duct flanges 90 between the ring 101 and the shells 105 and 106, respectively. This compression of the flange 90 is possible since the ducting 87 is fabricated from rubber or polyvinyl chloride and is locally deformable. The force exerted on the surfaces of the ange 90 is such that the coupling provides a secure connection between adjacent lengths of ducting sufficient to withstand the water pressures encountered in the system of this invention.

In many instances, situations will arise wherein the prefabricated lengths of the extrusion S0 will not correspond to the length of ducting required in the system. In such cases the prefabricated length will either be too short or too long to accommodate a particular connection between the control units 20 or between the valves 26 and the water dispersion means 413 and 44. In such cases special adapters 115, illustrated in FIG. 7, are provided for modifying the preformed extrusion 80 to fit the coupling connector 100 described above. In such instances, the duct or extrusion is severed in a plane transverse of its longitudinal extent. The planar base portion 02 of the extrusion is removed. from the duct portion 07 by use of a sharp knife to an extent of approximately ve inches from the newly formed end of the extrusion 0. A barbed shank male adapter collar 115, fabricated either from a lightweight metallic alloy or reinforced rigid plastic material, is inserted into the end of the extrusion 00 prepared as described above. The barbed shank collar 115 is substantially a right circular cylinder with one end 116 of the collar 115 being provided with a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the configuration of the flange at the normally encountered end of the duct or extrusion 80 (see FIG. 8). Intermediate the end 116 and the opposite end 117 of collar 115, the external circumferential surface of the collar is provided with a series of inclined step surfaces 110. The surfaces 118 are disposed to open toward the end 116 of collar 115. All surfaces of the collar 115 are coated with a deformable material such as rubber or soft plastic. It is seen that when the collar 115 is engaged within the prepared end of the duct portion 07 of the extrusion 00, the duct portion 07 makes contact with the rubberized or deformable exterior surfaces of the collar 115. The collar 115 is inserted into the duct 87 such that the duct engages the surface 118 adjacent to collar end 116. A plurality of rubber cushions 119 are then engaged circumferentiallyof the duct 87 opposite the collar 115 at spaced apart locations longitudinally of duct 07 (see FIG. 5) to abut the ribs 0S of extrusion S0. Metal tension straps 120 then are engaged peripherally of the cushions 119 to compress the cushions against the duct 87 and to secure the duct 87 against the rubberized coated surfaces 118 of the barbed shank sleeve 115. The metal tension straps 120 are similar in nature to the metallic packaging or crating straps which are used presently in the packaging industry.

Since the end 116 of the collar 115 has a configuration corresponding to the peripheral flange 90 provided at the end of the extrusion 60 as prefabricated, the adapter is compatible with the connector 100 described above. The rubberized surfacing of the sleeve 115 allows for sufficient deformation or compression to effect the sealing engagement with the rigid elements ofthe connector 100 as described above. Additionally, the rubberized coating of the barbed shank sleeve 115 also provides that no pinching engagement is manifested between the duct 07 and the sleeve 115. Mechanical pinching of the thinwalled duct portion 07 of the extrusion 80 maylead to rupture of the hose or conduit when subjected to high water pressures as occur in portions of the system 10.

In the foregoing description and explanation of this invention a system has been presented which is economic in cost of instailation and efficient in operation to prevent or control, or at least minimize the effects of, a yforest or brush fire in a substantially linaccessible terrain, It is mentioned that in certain instances the system is effective only to minimize the effects of a forest tire or brush fire. In certain cases the vegetation in the fire control area may be so dry as to be substantially explosive and the amount of water required to reduce the explosive characteristic of the underbrush is too great to be practicai from an economic consideration. If such a condition exists in the tire control area and a tire breaks out, the system is still useful to contain the tire within a predetermined area. 1n many instances, where fires break out and vegetation which is extremely explosive, as for example where the vegetation is primarily Chaparral or greasewood, the extreme temperatures resulting from burning of such vegetation produces what is known as a fire storm. 1n such a fire storm the fire generates `its own winds having a velocity of over fifty (50) miles per hour. Such winds render conventional tirebreaks completely inadequate and a fire on one side of a tirebreak crowns over the break to vegetation on the opposite side. Usually a lirebreak is provided along the crest of fa ridge. Normally the iirebreak is devoid of vegetation and becomes an eddy for the hot air currents which ilow upwardly along the slope from the tire to the li-rebreak. The eddy allows some of this hot air to spill over the rebreak to spontaneously ignite vegetation on the side of the irebreak opposite from the tire. Since the water dispersing means of this invention are located along or adjacent to a iirebreak, operation of the system during a iire which would normally present a re storm situation, prevents the tire #from crowning over or jumping the tire break. This result is achieved since the system operates to distribute moisture along or over the terrain just adjacent to the irebrealt and in the process cools the air adjacent to the lirebreak such that the normal eddy pattern associated with a tire storm is disrupted, The hot air blowing up the sides of the ridge toward the rebreak is separated from the ground by the cooler air associated with evaporation of the water provided by this system.

As a result, the hot air from the tire, such hot air being loaded with sparks and embers, continues to flow upward vertically upon reaching the tirebreak and does not crown over the irebreak. In other words, a boundary layer of 'cooler air in the vicinity of the rebreak will prevent the flow of hot air over the irebreak and down the opposite side of a ridge.

The invention also speeds recovery of the area after damage by a ire. The water available from the system it? is useful in starting regrowth of naturally or artificially induced ground cover to prevent erosion of the damaged area during rainstorms. In many cases, especially in the Greater Los Angeles area, as much property damage is caused by mudslides in areas adjacent to a recently burned location as is caused by a fire itself. Natural rainfall duringrire hazardous periods is insuflicient to induce regrowth of vegetation which would prevent erosion. Periodic wetting of burned are-as after a fire with water distributed by the system described'above permits such vegetation to grow sufficiently to prevent floods during the winter rainstorms.

In the foregoing discussion and presentation of this invention it was mentioned that the vertical drop between vthe reservoir to the first control station Ztl and beween ,thel reservoir yand the second control station Ztl downstream of the reservoir-would be somewhat below the burst load ot the transport duct 1S. The probability that two control stations in series would become inoperative at a particular time is so slight that the safety 'factors involved have been found to be workable and adequate.

While the invention has been described above in conjunction with speciiic apparatus and conguration of such apparatus, this has been by way of example and illustration and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: n l. Apparatus for controlling lires in hilly terrain comprising:

(a) a water storage means positioned at an elevated location in a tire control area in said hilly terrain, (b) at least one ground mounted water conduit means connected to the water storage means and extending downwardly away from the water storage means into the tire control area, (c) regulating means in the water conduit means below the water storage means for closing ofi. ow of water through the conduit means from the water storage means when the pressure of the water in the conduit means downstream of the storage means reaches a predetermined pressure,

(d) at least one continuouslyV open water dispersion means connected to the water conduit means at a location removed from the water storage means,

(e) discharge valve means associated with the water conduit means at a location remote from the water dispersion means for regulating water flow from the water storage means to the water dispersion means, and

(f) control means for the discharge valve means including a physical condition sensing unit operative in response to sensing of a predetermined physical condition external of the apparatus to operate the discharge valve means from one of two valve means conditions to the other of the valve means conditions.

2. Apparatus -according to claim 1 wherein the regulating means comprises a plurality of pressure reducing control stations spaced apart from one another and from the water storage means at regular intervals vertically along the water conduit means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein each pressure reducing control station includes a iirst valve in the water conduit means forreducing the pressure of water iiowing therethrough and the discharge valve means comprises a second valve located at one of the stations and connected to the water conduit means upstream ot the pressure reducing valve at the same station and discharging to the water dispersion means. Y

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the contro means is connected to said one control station and includes a solar chargeable electric battery, a solenoid, a switch coupled between the battery and the solenoid and operable for conductively connecting the solenoid and the battery, and a pilot valve for the second valve connected to the solenoid -for operation thereby, the second valve and the pilot valve being connected to the water conduit means at said one station so that the second valve is powered in its opening and closing operations by water supplied thereto from the water conduit means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the water dispersion means comprises a length of collapsible tubing having apertures formed therein along the length Vof the tubing.

6. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the water dispersion means comprises a plurality of rotary-head sprayers. Y

7. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the water cond-uit means comprises a fabric lined plastic extrusion having a collapsible duct portion and a planar base p0rtion integral with the duct portion along the elongate eX- tent of the extrusion, the base portion having lateral lianges extending oppositely from 4the duct portion, said iianges including metallic grommets spaced apart from one another along the elongate extent of the extrusion.

8. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the Water storage means comprises a pit formed in the ground at the elevated position, a liner disposed over the bottom and along the sides of the pit, and a liexible plastic cover Isecured to the liner and extending over the pit, the cover eing pigmented to resist penetration of sunlight thereinto. Y

9. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the physical condition sensing unit comprises a thermostat means operatively connected to the switch.

l0. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the thermostat means is located remote from the control station in the tire control area. f

1l. Apparatus according to claim 4 including a blinker light operable in a predetermined manner peculiar to the control station upon energization of the pilot valve solenoid.

12. Apparatus accord-ing to claim`4 wherein the physi- `cal condition sensing means comprises a radio receiver powered -by Ithe battery and operatively connected to the switch for operation of the switch upon receipt of a signal peculiar to the pressure reducing control station with Whichthe receiver is associated.

13. A tire preventing and tighting'system for natural surroundings comprising (a) a reservoir located at an elevated position substantially centrally of a fire control area,

(b) at least one outlet valve means connected to the reservoir,

(c) Va water transport duct connected to the valve means and extending downwardly and away from the elevated position into the control area to an end,

(d) at least one pressure reducing control station in the transport duct intermediate the elevated position and the end of the transport duct operable to close the transport duct from water owtherethrough when the water pressure in the transport duct downstream of the control station rises to a predetermined level,

(e) secondary duct means connected to the control station and extending downwardly away from the control station into the control area,

(f) valve means connected between the control station yand the secondary duct means,

(g) control means operatively coupled to the valve means and operable in response to receipt of a signal originating at a location remote therefrom for controlling the valve means, and

(h) water distribution means in the secondary duct means for distributing water vto the control area upon supply of the water to the secondary duct means,

whereby water is supplied to the control area by gravity from the reservoir through the secondary duct means upon operation of the valve means.

14. A re preventing and ghting system for natural surroundings comprising (a) a reservoir located at an elevated position substantially centrally of a fire control area,

(b) at least `one outlet valve means connected to the reservoir,

(c) a water transport duct connected to the valve means and extending downwardly and away from the elevated position into the control area to an end,

(d) at least one pressure reducing control station the transport duct intermediate the elevated position and the end of .the transport duct for regulating water pressure below the control station to below a predetermined value,

(e) secondary duct means connected to the control station and extending downwardly away from the control station into the control area,

(f) valve means operable from a closed condition to an opened condition connected between the control station and the secondary duct means, f

(g) control means connected to the valve means for operating the valve means in response to receipt of `a preselected signal,

(h) signal generating means operable in response to manifestation of a predetermined physical condition indicative of a fire adjacent thereto to generate the preselected signal,

said signal generating means being disposed in a preselected location in the tire control area, `and (i) water distribution means in the secondary duct means for distributing water to the control area upon supply of the water to the secondary duct means,

, whereby water is supplied to the control area by gravity from the reservoir through the secondary duct means upon operation of the valve means.

l5. Gravity feed water distribution apparatus for fire control in hilly terrain comprising (a) a water reservoir positioned `in an elevated location in a tire control area,

lll

(b) water supply means including pump means and ducting connected to the reservoir for filling the reservoir with water,

(c) fire control duct means extending downwardly away from the reservoir into the tire control area to at least one end remote from thereservoir,

(d) at least one pressure control station in the tire control duct means intermediate the reservoir and the end of the lire control duct means,

(e) water dispersal means connected to the pressure control station and extending downwardly therefrom to predetermined locations in the control area,

(f) valve means connected between the control station and the water dispersal means and powered by the water in the valve means,

supply of water to the water dispersal means normally being prevented by maintaining the valve means in a closed condition, and

(g) control means connected to the valve means for operation thereof in response to receipt by the control means of at least one preselected stimulus from external of the apparatus,

whereby water is dispersed into the control area in a predetermined manner by gravi-ty ow from 4the reservoir through the water dispersal means upon operation of the valve means to an open condition responsive to receipt of the preselected stimulus.

16. Gravity feed water distribution apparatus for re control in hilly terrain comprising i (a) a water reservoir positioned in an elevated location in a tire control area (b) water supply means including pump means and ducting connected to the reservoir for lling the reservoir with water,

(c) re control duct means extending downwardly away from the reservoir into the fire control area to at least one end remote from the reservoir,

`(al) at least one pressure control station in the re control duct means intermediate the reservoir and the end of the tire control duct means,

(e) continuously open water dispersal means connected to the pressure control station and extending downwardly therefrom to predetermined locations in the control area,

(f) valve means connected between the control station vand the water dispersal means,

`Supply of water to the water dispersal means normally being prevented by maintaining the valve means in a closed condition,

the valve means-being powered by the water controlled by the valve means,

(g) control means for the valve means including a solar `powered electrically operated pilot valve operable in response to a preselected stimulus, and

(h) sensing means operable in response to manifestation of a physical condition indicative of a re in the control area to generate the preselected stimulus, said sensing means being operahly connected to the control means and disposed in a preselected location in the control area,

whereby water is dispersed into the control area in a pre-y determined manner by gravity llo-w from the reservoir through the water dispersal means upon operation of the valve means to an open condition responsive to receipt of the preselected stimulus.

References Cited by the Examiner 'UNlTED STATES PATENTS 417,798 12/89 Waggoner 169-,5 556,947 3/96 Westbrook 169-5 818,999 4/06 Buell 169--5 1,058,464 4/ 13 Pritchard 239--200 (Gther references on following page) r1.5 16 UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 9/17 Taylor 169--5 221,445 5/ 62 Austria. 11/23 Collins 169-5 X 1,169,316 9/58 France.

ISVICIOOH l 169-5 OTHER REFERENCES Zantay et a 1/59 Greczin 13s-125 X Wgnr Pages 26 29 me enmled" 2/59 Griswold 239-66 X 10/61 Furlong 239 66 EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner.

9/ 62 Prins 61-5 X 10 EUGENE F. BLANCHARD, LOUIS I. DEMBO, 5/63 Hruby 239-276 Examiners. 

1. APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FIRES IN HILLY TERRAIN COMPRISING: (A) A WATER STORAGE MEANS POSITIONED AT AN ELEVATED LOCATION IN A FIRE CONTROL AREA IN SAID HILLY TERRAIN, (B) AT LEAST ONE GROUND MOUNTED WATER CONDUIT MEANS CONNECTED TO THE WATER STORAGE MEANS AND EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY AWAY FROM THE WATER STORAGE MEANS INTO THE FIRE CONTROL AREA, (C) REGULATING MEANS IN THE WATER CONDUIT MEANS BELOW THE WATER STORAGE MEANS FOR CLOSING OFF FLOW OF WATER THROUGH THE CONDUIT MEANS FROM THE WATER STORAGE MEANS WHEN THE PRESSURE OF THE WATER IN THE CONDUIT MEANS DOWNSTREAM OF THE STORAGE MEANS REACHES A PREDETERMINED PRESSURE, (D) AT LEAST ONE CONTINUOUSLY OPEN WATER DISPERSION MEANS CONNECTED TO THE WATER CONDUIT MEANS AT A LOCATION REMOVED FROM THE WATER STORAGE MEANS, (E) DISCHARGE VALVE MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WATER CONDUIT MEANS AT A LOCATION REMOTE FROM THE WATER DISPERSION MEANS FOR REGULATING WATER FLOW FROM THE WATER STORAGE MEANS TO THE WATER DISPERSION MEANS, AND (F) CONTROL MEANS FOR THE DISCHARGE VALVE MEANS INCLUDING A PHYSICAL CONDITION SENSING UNIT OPERATIVE IN RESPONSE TO SENSING OF A PREDETERMINED PHYSICAL CONDITION EXTERNAL OF THE APPARATUS TO OPERATE THE DISCHARGE VALVE MEANS FROM ONE OF TWO MEANS CONDITIONS OF THE OTHER OF THE VALVE MEANS CONDITIONS. 